COMPOSERS: Linley Hamilton
LABELS: Lyte Records
WORKS: Taylor Made
PERFORMER: Linley Hamilton (tp), Johnny Taylor (pno), Dan Bodwell (bass), Dominic Mullan (drums)
CATALOGUE NO: LR006
Jazz fans in Northern Ireland may already be familiar with Linley Hamilton, as host of a jazz show on BBC Radio Ulster, and he deserves wider UK recognition. As a broadcaster and educator he is passionate about jazz and bringing people to it, particularly those who haven’t yet realised they like it, which he does by highlighting its influence on other genres.
Taking tracks from a range of sources, he gives them an uplifting and considered treatment, which demonstrates the jazz potential of each. Whether it’s the boogaloo bass-driven cover of Paul Simon’s ‘Have a Good Time’, or Kenny Garrett’s enlivening ‘Happy People’, it all hits the mark. An accomplished performer himself, having worked with the likes of Jacqui Dankworth and Van Morrison, Hamilton pays tribute to the arranging input of pianist Taylor on the disc’s title. But above all it’s a testament to his own inclusive vision. Neil McKim